Say goodbye to uniforms and packed lunches. Burleigh is calling, and it’s all sandy toes and unforgettable days ahead. Families can surf white wash waves or giggle their way through a day at Bounce Gold Coast. Koalas, theme parks, and hiking trails are all within arm’s reach.
Start your ultimate Gold Coast family holiday in Burleigh, where the best Gold Coast family things to do are waiting to turn routines into adventures you’ll talk about long after you’ve brushed the last grain of sand off.
The Best Gold Coast Family Things to Do Start Right Here in Burleigh
There’s no better place to kick off your family adventure than Burleigh. It’s the perfect starting point when looking for Gold Coast family things to do that will create lasting memories.
Burleigh Heads Beach
One of the best places for bodyboarding or beginner surf lessons. The calm water and wide sandy stretches offer the ideal setting for a classic Gold Coast family beach day.
Justins Park
A shady playground and BBQ area just steps from the beach. It’s a perfect spot for relaxed family lunches, letting the kids run free while the grown-ups enjoy the view.
Burleigh Head National Park
Home to some of the best hiking trails Gold Coast has to offer. Easy, family-friendly tracks wind through lush rainforest and along clifftops, rewarding walkers with stunning coastal views and glimpses of native wildlife.
James Street
The place to be. This lively strip offers plenty of family-friendly cafés and casual dining spots where you can relax, recharge, and soak up the easygoing Burleigh vibe.
Wildlife Encounters and Cultural Experiences for Curious Kids
Families exploring Gold Coast family things to do will find some of the region’s most rewarding experiences waiting in Burleigh. It’s the perfect chance to combine fun with a little learning.
David Fleay Wildlife Park
Where you can spot native animals in habitats designed to reflect their natural environment, kids will love getting close to sleepy koalas, colourful parrots, and rare tree kangaroos. The park’s rangers’ talks add an extra layer of discovery, making it easy to spend a morning here.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
This much-loved Gold Coast attraction invites families to hand-feed bright lorikeets, wander through open-air enclosures, and watch educational wildlife shows. It’s one of the best things to do. Gold Coast family groups will talk about long after the holiday ends.
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Located at the foot of Burleigh Headland, it offers fascinating insights into the area’s Indigenous history, culture, and Dreamtime stories. It’s a meaningful way to add cultural learning to your adventure around the Gold Coast.
Rainy Days Are No Worries with These Indoor Adventures
Even when the clouds roll in, Burleigh ensures family holidays are packed with excitement. There are plenty of indoor adventures to keep the energy high and the smiles even bigger.
Bounce Gold Coast
A must-visit for active families. This action-packed indoor trampoline park offers kids (and parents) the chance to jump, flip, and race through obstacle courses.
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Offers much more than shops. Families can catch a movie at the cinema, explore the dining precincts, or let little ones loose in the free play zones dotted throughout the centre.
Theme Parks and Thrill Rides Just a Short Drive Away
For families craving bigger thrills and unforgettable moments, Burleigh offers easy access to some of the Gold Coast’s best attractions. Every day can be a new adventure with so many exciting options just a short drive away.
WhiteWater World Gold Coast
Where giant slides, splash zones, and family-friendly pools guarantee hours of fun. It’s a must-visit if your crew loves the thrill of a waterpark adventure.
Warner Bros. Movie World Australia
Here, you can meet your favourite superheroes, watch live Hollywood stunt shows, and ride some of the most exciting roller coasters in Queensland.
SeaWorld Sea WorldAustralia
Delivers a perfect mix of thrill rides and marine life encounters. Families can enjoy everything from dolphin shows to adrenaline-pumping coasters, making it an ideal full-day outing.
SkyPoint Gold Coast
Take panoramic views stretching across the coastline from the observation deck perched high above Surfers Paradise. It’s the perfect way to appreciate how much adventure lies at your feet.
Water Adventures and Gentle Beach Days the Whole Family Will Love
The simple joy of a beach day never goes out of style, especially when Burleigh offers some of the best Gold Coast family things to do. Sunshine, calm waters, and beginner-friendly surf breaks create the perfect setting for active family fun, both in and out of the water.
Surf Lesson in Burleigh or Palm Beach
A must for anyone keen to try something new. Local surf schools specialise in teaching beginners, with patient instructors and gentle waves making it one of the most popular kids’ activities Gold Coast families love.
Balancing on a board for the first time or catching your first wave into shore feels even better when you’re at the perfect spot for this classic coastal pastime.
Tallebudgera Creek
Delivers a peaceful retreat. Known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, it’s a favourite with families looking for safe swimming, paddleboarding, or snorkelling adventures. The shady picnic areas and sandy banks make it an easy place to spend the whole afternoon without ever feeling rushed.
It’s a perfect match for anyone searching for relaxing things to do. Gold Coast family holidays should never be missed.
Thinking Ahead: Whale Watching and Hinterland Hikes
After days filled with beach adventures and theme park fun, it’s exciting to know there’s even more to look forward to later in the season. Burleigh makes it easy to plan and discover even more of the Gold Coast’s family-friendly treasures.
Whale Watching Gold Coast
The season begins, bringing unforgettable ocean views as humpback whales glide past the coastline. Tours depart nearby, offering a front-row seat to one of the world’s most spectacular natural migrations. Families visiting in May or beyond can add this once-in-a-lifetime experience to their Gold Coast family things to do.
Tamborine hinterland
Perfect for a family day trip. Gentle hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and cosy cafés tucked into rainforests make it a refreshing break from the coastal buzz. It’s an ideal add-on for families wanting a mountain adventure alongside their seaside holiday.
A Gold Coast Family Holiday That Begins With Burleigh Magic
Burleigh sets the tone for an unforgettable family holiday, where beach days and big adventures come easily. Start with simple joys at Burleigh Heads Beach, where young swimmers can splash safely or catch their first surf lesson Gold Coast style.
Nearby hiking trails on the Gold Coast wind through coastal rainforest, offering stunning sea views and a chance to spot local wildlife. For indoor fun, Bounce Gold Coast keeps energy high, while David Fleay Wildlife Park introduces kids to Australia’s native animals.
Afterwards, take on bigger thrills with visits to Whitewater World Gold Coast, Warner Bros Movie World Australia, and Sea World Australia. SkyPoint Gold Coast offers a spectacular end to the day, with sweeping coastline views.
As the seasons shift, whale watching Gold Coast experiences add another highlight. With the best things to do on the Gold Coast all within easy reach, Burleigh is the perfect starting point for family holidays that QLD families treasure.
Stay Beachfront and Close to It All at Burleigh Surf Apartments
After a full day of Gold Coast family things to do, Burleigh Surf Apartments is the perfect place to unwind. Located steps from Burleigh Heads Beach and close to James Street’s family dining, it offers the best of beach and town life. Major attractions are just a short drive away.
With spacious, fully self-contained apartments, two pools, a games room, and panoramic ocean views, Burleigh Surf is ideal for family holidays. QLD travellers will love. Surfing gentle waves, spotting whales on a Gold Coast tour, or exploring hiking trails nearby.
For the ultimate things to do in a Gold Coast family adventure, start at Burleigh Surf.
Image Credit: SkyPoint Observation Deck
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